What a mess: Windswept snow, ice make for tough commute

Windswept snow Monday morning made for dicey driving conditions around the Twin Cities area, including on a Minneapolis interstate, where a Metro Transit bus spun out late in the rush hour.

Just west of downtown St. Paul, one vehicle after another failed to make it down a steep grade late in the morning on slippery Ramsey Street near Irvine Avenue. Eastbound Ramsey was littered with more than a dozen traction-challenged vehicles.

One tow truck was on the scene as of 10:10 a.m., while drivers either remained in their vehicles or walked around, sizing up their fate.

Shortly after 8 a.m., a Route 114 bus blocked all but the far left lane of southbound Interstate 35W between 26th and Lake streets until its removal an hour later, transit spokesman John Siqveland said. No injuries were reported. Only the driver was aboard the articulated bus.

Fortunately for commuters, Monday is a holiday for many government workers in observance of Veterans Day. That means less traffic on the slick freeways and main thoroughfares. Even so, the bus mishap was one of several for motorists, who are getting their first reminder that wintry weather is drawing near.

Temperatures started out in the metro in the upper teens, with a light dusting of snow thrown in. A steady warmup is on the way, however, and highs near 50 are expected in the next day or two.